GREENSBORO, N.C. -- James Whitaker hit a pair of free throws with 1:13 remaining in overtime and a costly turnover by the Bears in the closing moments  helped give North Carolina A&T a hard-earned 60-57 victory over Morgan State on Monday at Corbett Sports Center.

After Bruce Beckford stole the ball from MSU guard Emmanuel Matey with 46 seconds remaining, the Aggies worked the ball around to burn time until Denzel Keyes got off a 3-pointer at the end of the shot clock. The ball glanced off the rim and was rebounded by Ahmad Abdullah, who was immediately fouled by Kyle Thomas with 3 second left on the clock. Abdullah made the first free throw and missed the second. Cedric Blossom's heave at the buzzer fell short sparking relief and celebration for the Aggies fans in attendance.

Abdullah finished with 14 points (5-10 FG) and four assists for the Aggies (7-21, 4-9 MEAC). Beckford added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Khary Doby chipped in 11 points off the bench.
 
Blake Bozeman led all scorers with a career-high 25 points for the Bears. Andrew Hampton scored 16 points (4-10 3FG) and Blossom had a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with seven points.
 
The Bears led 26-20 at halftime and a pair of 3-pointers by Andrew Hampton increased the lead to 12-points (32-20) within the first minute of the second half. MSU had the momentum and seemed poised to win just its second road game of the season and snap a two-game losing streak.
 
N.C. A&T snatched it right back by turning up the defensive pressure and pushing the ball to the basket. The Aggies used a 17-0 run to take a 37-32 lead as the Bears were held scoreless for 8 minutes.

MSU stayed within striking distance down the stretch and took a 50-48 lead on a layup by Emmanuel Matey with 3:20 left to go. The Aggies regained the lead at 51-50 when Abdullah hit a jumper, but Bozeman answered by racing just past half court and launching a 3-point bomb that gave the Bears a 53-51 lead. The Aggies called timeout with 12 seconds remaining.
 
Abdullah was fouled on a drive to the basket and stepped to the line and buried both free throws to tie the game. MSU had one more chance to win the game in regulation when Matey was fouled and sent to the line with 2 seconds to go. He missed the free throw and the game went to overtime. 

MSU shot just 43 percent (7-16) from the free throw line, while the Aggies shot 70 percent (14-20). The Bears were also 10 of 25 from 3-point range with Bozeman, making four.